Dawn’s Blog

News, Updates and Resources for Legal Professionals and those who follow adoption law

Retired? Now, Who Will Represent Tennessee Families?

Hello blog readers, Some say, “Who will represent birth and adoptive families now?" I don’t share that concern. There has long been a handful of highly skilled, experienced, adoption-focused lawyers across Tennessee who are my peers and friends. I’m comfortable that...
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A tweak to the federal adoption tax credit will put $5000 into some adoptive families’ pockets

The adoption tax credit is a lovely thing. It offers a direct financial benefit to families who adopt. The benefit is better for families who adopt special needs children. There is much written about the policy and mechanics of the federal adoption tax credit. It is...
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Publication on Missing Respondent Birth Parents Just Got Harder and More Expensive

Have a look at 2025 TN Public Chapter 500.   Basically, it requires that when we give notice by publication in a newspaper, we must also publish in a paid local online platform, where one exists. But the TN Press Association already has a free...
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“First in Adoption” – So far every vote is “Yes.”

The “First in Adoption” bill that many Tennessee attorneys and adoptive parents are following moved from the House committee process to the floor with a unanimous vote of the House Civil Justice committee. The committee is chaired my Mike Carter (R), an attorney and...

The “First in Adoption” Bill is on the move!

How to follow it through the Legislature. The “First in Adoption” Bill (HB 1856 Carter/SB 1851 Haile) passed the House Civil Justice Subcommittee last week and is scheduled for a hearing before the full house committee tomorrow, Tues. March 27, 2018 at 3:00 CST. If...

“First In Adoption” Bill Big Tennessee News!

The “First In Adoption” bill is moving in the TN Legislature. HB 1856 Rep. Mike Carter/ SB 1851 Sen. Ferrell Haile What it does: Creates one short and simple surrender form and relieves a number of related bureaucratic requirements; Refines elements to prove rounds...

Welcome to my blog!

Future posts will include information on new and pending legislation, news, pointers and general information regarding adoption and foster care issues for attorneys, agencies, adoptive families and prospective adoptive families.  Thank you for visiting.